Audio speaker cabinet

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to an audio speaker cabinet within a vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to an audio speaker cabinet that can operate as a subwoofer with a narrow frequency band pass or can operate as a loudspeaker that outputs a wide frequency audio range.

2. Background Information

Audio systems in vehicles usually include a plurality of speakers installed at various locations within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The plurality of speakers often includes at least a subwoofer speaker cabinet.

SUMMARY

One object of the disclosure is to provide a speaker cabinet with an open end such that when the open end of the speaker cabinet is installed to a surface of a vehicle, the surface of the vehicle serves as a sealing wall covering the open end of the speaker cabinet, thereby creating at least a partially enclosed space within the speaker cabinet.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a speaker cabinet with two differing audio output modes, a loudspeaker mode where the speaker cabinet provides a wide frequency audio output (without the sealing wall) and a band pass enclosure mode where the speaker cabinet provides a narrow frequency audio output (with the sealing wall).

In view of the state of the known technology, one aspect of the disclosure has a vehicle audio assembly that includes a storage structure and an audio driver cabinet. The storage structure has an interior surface that defines a cabinet receiving space and a sealing wall. The audio driver cabinet is configured for movement between a first orientation within the storage structure and a second orientation outside the storage structure. The audio driver cabinet includes a side wall structure, a first wall, a second wall and a sound driver. The side wall structure has a side interior surface, a first end and a second end. The first wall is fixed to the first end of the side wall structure and has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The second wall has a first surface and a second surface with a speaker opening extending from the first surface to the second surface. The second wall is fixedly attached to the side interior surface of the side wall structure spaced apart from and located between the first end and the second end of the side wall structure. A first portion of the side wall structure, the interior surface of the first wall and the first surface of the second wall define a first audio chamber. A second portion of the side wall structure and the second surface of the second wall at least partially define a second audio chamber that is open at the second end of the side wall structure. The sound driver is fixed to the second wall covering the speaker opening. With the audio driver cabinet in the first orientation within the storage structure, the second end of the side wall structure contacts the sealing wall of the storage structure at least partially sealing the second audio chamber. Further, with the audio driver cabinet in the second orientation outside the storage structure, the second audio chamber defines a loudspeaker opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a cross-sectional schematic view of an audio speaker cabinet showing a side wall structure, a first wall, a second wall, a port structure extending from the first wall to the second wall and a removable sealing wall (detached) with a sealed audio chamber and a non-sealed audio chamber defined within the side wall structure and the port structure extending through the sealed audio chamber in accordance with a first embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is another cross-sectional schematic view of the audio speaker cabinet similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> showing the removable sealing wall attached to the side wall structure in accordance with a first embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a perspective view of the audio speaker cabinet depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> with the sealing wall removed showing two sound drivers and one end of the port structure in accordance with the first embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a graph showing one example of the audio frequency output from the audio speaker cabinet depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1-3</figref>, showing the audio frequency response with the sealing wall attached (a band pass enclosure response) and with the sealing wall removed (a loud speaker response) in accordance with the first embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a perspective view of an audio speaker cabinet in accordance with a second embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a perspective view of an audio speaker cabinet in accordance with a third embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a cross-sectional perspective view of the audio speaker cabinet showing a side wall structure, a first wall, a second wall and a port structure extending from the first wall to the second wall with a sealed audio chamber and a non-sealed audio chamber defined within the side wall structure and the port structure extending through the sealed audio chamber in accordance with the third embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a side view of a vehicle that includes a storage compartment structure under a rear seat within a passenger compartment and a cargo area structure rearward from the passenger compartment in accordance with the third embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a perspective view of the rear seat of the vehicle showing the storage compartment structure under the rear seat in accordance with the third embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a perspective view of the storage compartment structure showing a removable hinged lid attached thereto in accordance with the third embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is another perspective view of the storage compartment structure similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, showing the removable hinged lid removed exposing a compartment within the storage compartment structure in accordance with the third embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is another perspective view of the storage compartment structure similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> showing the audio speaker cabinet installed in the compartment of the storage compartment structure in accordance with the third embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a cross-sectional perspective view of the storage compartment structure showing interior details of the audio speaker cabinet installed in the compartment of the storage compartment structure in accordance with the third embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of the storage compartment structure and the audio speaker cabinet with a surface of the storage compartment structure serving as a sealing wall in accordance with the third embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is another side cross-sectional view of the storage compartment structure and the audio speaker cabinet with a surface of the storage compartment structure serving as a sealing wall in accordance with a modification to the third embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a perspective view of the cargo area structure of the vehicle depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> showing a cabinet receiving area within the cargo area structure in accordance with the third embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is another perspective view of the cargo area structure similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> showing the audio speaker cabinet installed to the cabinet receiving area within the cargo area structure in accordance with the third embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is another perspective view of the cargo area structure of the vehicle similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, showing the audio speaker cabinet installed to a second cabinet receiving area within the cargo area structure such that the audio speaker cabinet operates as a loudspeaker in accordance with the third embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is another perspective view of the cargo area structure of the vehicle similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> showing the audio speaker cabinet installed to the second cabinet receiving area within the cargo area structure such that the audio speaker cabinet operates as a band pass enclosure in accordance with the third embodiment;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of the cargo area structure and the audio speaker cabinet depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17 and 19</figref> showing a surface of the cargo area structure serving as a sealing wall in accordance with the third embodiment; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is another side cross-sectional view of the cargo area structure and the audio speaker cabinet depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17 and 19</figref> with a surface of the cargo area structure serving as a sealing wall in accordance with a modification to the third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, an audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> is schematically illustrated in accordance with a first embodiment. The audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> is part of an audio system that includes an audio signal generator (not shown) such as a CD player, an MP3 player, a radio system (or similar audio outputting device), an audio amplifier (not shown) and a set of audio speakers (not shown). Since audio system components, such as the above mentioned audio signal generator, audio amplifier and audio speakers in general are conventional components, further description is omitted for the sake of brevity.

The audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> described herein below is, for example, a sub-woofer component that is specifically designed for producing low frequency audio as part of an overall audio system. In other words, the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> is configured and designed to serve as a subwoofer, which provides an audio output that is in a low frequency range, or narrow band width (a narrow band pass enclosure). The audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> is also sometimes referred to as a bass cabinet providing low end or bass tones of sound produced by an audio system. However, it should be understood from the drawings and the description herein that the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> can be dimensioned and/or shaped to output any specific portion of the audio frequency spectrum outputted by an audio system. For example, the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> can be tuned to output only high end frequency range (treble), mid frequency range (middle), low-end frequency (bass) or can be shaped and/or dimensioned to output a wider range of audio frequencies.

However, in the depicted embodiments, the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> is designed to serve as a sub-woofer, outputting primarily a low frequency range of audible sounds in an installed orientation that is described in greater detail below, but with the removal of a sealing wall (described below) can also be used as a loudspeaker cabinet outputting a wider frequency range.

The audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> includes a side wall structure <b>16</b>, a first wall <b>18</b>, a second wall <b>20</b>, a sound driver <b>22</b>, a port structure <b>24</b> and a sealing wall <b>26</b> arranged such that the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> can be removably connected to the sealing wall <b>26</b> or vice versa, as described in greater detail below.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> are cross-sectional schematic views of the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a perspective view of the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>. The side wall structure <b>16</b>, the first wall <b>18</b>, the second wall <b>20</b>, and the port structure <b>24</b> of the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> can be made of wood, metal, plastic, combinations thereof or any other suitable material that provides the acoustic response necessary for the sound driver <b>22</b> and the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> to provide a desirable audio output in a predetermined audio frequency range.

In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the side wall structure <b>16</b> is shown with four parts: a first side wall <b>16</b><i>a</i>, a second side wall <b>16</b><i>b</i>, a third side wall <b>16</b><i>c </i>and a fourth side wall <b>16</b><i>d</i>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the first and second side walls <b>16</b><i>a </i>and <b>16</b><i>b </i>are perpendicular to one another, the second and third side walls <b>16</b><i>b </i>and <b>16</b><i>c </i>are perpendicular to one another and the third and fourth side walls <b>16</b><i>c </i>and <b>16</b><i>d </i>are perpendicular to one another thereby defining an overall rectangular shape structure. The first and second side walls <b>16</b><i>a </i>and <b>16</b><i>b </i>are rigidly attached to one another in a conventional manner, the second and third side walls <b>16</b><i>b </i>and <b>16</b><i>c </i>are rigidly attached to one another, the third and fourth side walls <b>16</b><i>c </i>and <b>16</b><i>d </i>are rigidly attached to one another and the fourth and first side walls <b>16</b><i>d </i>and <b>16</b><i>a </i>are rigidly attached to one another.

The side wall structure <b>16</b> further defines a first end <b>30</b>, a second end <b>32</b>, an exterior surface <b>34</b> and an interior surface <b>36</b> that extends from the first end <b>30</b> to the second end <b>32</b>.

The first wall <b>18</b> has an interior surface <b>40</b>, an exterior surface <b>42</b> and a first port opening <b>44</b> that extends from the interior surface <b>40</b> to the exterior surface <b>42</b>. The first wall <b>18</b> is fixedly attached to the first end <b>30</b> of the side wall structure <b>16</b>. The first wall <b>18</b> effectively closes off the first end <b>30</b> of the side wall structure <b>16</b>.

The second wall <b>20</b> has a first surface <b>50</b>, a second surface <b>52</b> opposite the first surface <b>50</b>, a speaker opening <b>54</b> that extends from the first surface <b>50</b> to the second surface <b>52</b> and a second port opening <b>56</b> that extends from the first surface <b>50</b> to the second surface <b>52</b>. The second wall <b>20</b> is fixedly attached to the interior surface <b>36</b> of the side wall structure <b>16</b> at a location spaced apart from the first wall <b>18</b> and spaced apart from the second end <b>32</b> of the side wall structure <b>16</b>. In the embodiment depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>, the second wall <b>20</b> is positioned mid-way between the first end <b>30</b> and the second end <b>32</b> of the side wall structure <b>16</b>. More specifically, the second wall <b>20</b> is located within the interior of the side wall structure <b>16</b>. In the depicted embodiment, there are two speaker openings <b>54</b> in the second wall <b>20</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. However, it should be understood from the drawings and the description herein that the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> can alternatively be constructed with a single speaker opening <b>54</b>.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, a first portion of the side wall structure <b>16</b>, the interior surface <b>40</b> of the first wall <b>18</b> and the first surface <b>50</b> of the second wall <b>20</b> define a sealed audio chamber <b>60</b>. A second portion of the side wall structure <b>16</b> and the second surface <b>52</b> of the second wall <b>20</b> define a non-sealed audio chamber <b>62</b>.

The sound driver <b>22</b> is an electrically powered audio speaker that can be mounted to the first surface <b>50</b> or the second surface <b>52</b> of the second wall <b>20</b>. In the depicted embodiment, there are two sound drivers <b>22</b>. The sound drivers <b>22</b> cover the two speaker openings <b>54</b> of the second wall <b>20</b>. Each of the sound drivers <b>22</b> includes speaker wires <b>64</b> that connect to the amplifier (not shown) of the audio system (not shown) such that audio signals transmitted from the amplifier to the sound driver <b>22</b> via the speaker wires <b>64</b> cause the sound driver <b>22</b> to produce audible sounds in a conventional manner. Since sound drivers and speaker wires are conventional elements, further description is omitted for the sake of brevity.

The port structure <b>24</b> has a cylindrical or tube-like shape and extends through the sealed audio chamber <b>60</b>. The port structure <b>24</b> can be made of wood, metal, plastic or combinations thereof. The port structure <b>24</b> is preferably made of a thin material in order to maximize the volume of the sealed audio chamber <b>60</b>.

The port structure <b>24</b> has a first end <b>24</b><i>a </i>that is attached to the first wall <b>18</b> at the first port opening <b>44</b> and a second end <b>24</b><i>b </i>attached to the second wall <b>20</b> at the second port opening <b>56</b>. The first end <b>24</b><i>a </i>is fixed to the first wall <b>18</b> at the first port opening <b>44</b> such that an air tight seal is established between the interior of the port structure <b>24</b> and the sealed audio chamber <b>60</b> at the first wall <b>18</b>. The second end <b>24</b><i>b </i>is fixed to the second wall <b>20</b> at the second port opening <b>56</b> such that an air tight seal is established between the interior of the port structure <b>24</b> and the sealed audio chamber <b>60</b> at the first wall <b>18</b>. Further, the port structure <b>24</b> is completely hollow and has open ends such that there is fluid communication from the exterior surface <b>42</b> of the first wall <b>18</b> to the second surface <b>52</b> of the second wall <b>20</b>. More specifically, audible sounds generated by the sound driver <b>22</b> within the non-sealed audio chamber <b>62</b> are ported through the port structure <b>24</b> to the exterior surface <b>42</b> of the first wall <b>18</b>. However, since the sound driver <b>22</b> covers the speaker opening <b>54</b> and the port structure <b>24</b> is sealed relative to the sealed audio chamber <b>60</b>, the sound generated within the non-sealed audio chamber <b>62</b> is isolated from the sealed audio chamber <b>60</b>.

In other words, the port structure <b>24</b> extends through the sealed audio chamber <b>60</b> from the first port opening <b>44</b> in the first wall <b>18</b> to the second port opening <b>56</b> in the second wall <b>20</b>, with the interior of the port structure <b>24</b> being completely sealed relative to the sealed audio chamber <b>60</b>. The interior of the port structure <b>24</b> is completely open to the exterior surface <b>42</b> of the first wall <b>18</b> at the first port opening <b>44</b>, and is therefore open to the areas outside of the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>. The interior of the port structure <b>24</b> is further completely open to the non-sealed audio chamber <b>62</b> at the second port opening <b>56</b> of the second wall <b>20</b>.

The sealing wall <b>26</b> is removably connected to the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>. The sealing wall <b>26</b> can be a removable member, or can be a surface of another, separate structure where the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> attaches to the sealing wall <b>26</b> and detaches from the sealing wall <b>26</b>. More specifically, the side wall structure <b>16</b> can be installed to unrelated structures having a flat surface that can serve as the sealing wall <b>26</b>. The above mentioned installed orientation corresponds to the side wall structure <b>16</b> being fixed to the sealing wall <b>26</b>.

A series of hand manipulated fasteners (not shown) can be used to attach and detach the sealing wall <b>26</b> from the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>. Alternatively, a plurality of latches or clasp mechanisms can be used to attach and detach the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> from the sealing wall <b>26</b>. Since fasteners, latches and clasp mechanisms are conventional features, further description is omitted with respect to the first embodiment for the sake of brevity.

In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the sealing wall <b>26</b> is attached to the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>, at least partially sealing the non-sealed audio chamber <b>62</b>. A gasket or sealing member (not shown) provides an air-tight seal between the second end <b>32</b> of the side wall structure <b>16</b> and the sealing wall <b>26</b>. Thus, the non-sealed audio chamber <b>62</b> can be a completely sealed chamber with the sealing wall <b>26</b> attached, except for the port structure <b>24</b>, which is open to the areas outside the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> and open to the non-sealed audio chamber <b>62</b>. Since the port structure <b>24</b> is present within overall structure of the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>, the non-sealed audio chamber <b>62</b> enables the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> to serve as a band pass enclosure with the sealing wall <b>26</b> attached to the second end <b>32</b> of the side wall structure <b>16</b>.

Hence, the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> can provide two different audio output responses, depending upon whether or not the sealing wall <b>26</b> is attached to or detached from the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>. Specifically, with the second end <b>32</b> of the side wall structure <b>16</b> left open (without the sealing wall <b>26</b>), the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> operates as a loudspeaker that emits sound over a wide range of audio frequencies. Hereinafter, this is referred to as a loudspeaker mode (an uninstalled orientation). With the sealing wall <b>26</b> installed to the second end <b>32</b> of the side wall structure <b>16</b> sealing the second end <b>32</b>, the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> has a completely different audio response/output and operates in a band pass enclosure mode (the installed orientation), but may also be referred to as a sealed enclosure mode. Specifically, with the sealed wall <b>26</b> installed sealing the second end <b>32</b> of the side wall structure <b>16</b>, the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> serves as a band pass enclosure outputting a limited range of frequencies much narrower than when serving in the loudspeaker mode. Since the depicted audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> is configured as a subwoofer, the narrow range of frequencies is at a low end of the audio spectrum. Further, with the sealed wall <b>26</b> installed, the non-sealed audio chamber <b>62</b> is a ported audio chamber, since the port structure <b>24</b> is open to both the non-sealed audio chamber <b>62</b> and areas outside the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a representation of one example of an audio output of the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>. The range of frequencies depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> demonstrates the difference in the two modes of operation of the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>, the installed orientation (subwoofer, or band pass enclosure mode) and the uninstalled orientation (loudspeaker mode). When serving in loudspeaker mode (without the sealing wall <b>26</b>), the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> outputs a frequency range that begins slightly above 20 Hz and also outputs frequencies up to at least up to 200 Hz and beyond, as indicated by the solid line in the graph depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. It should be noted that the maximum output is approximately 114.0 dB, with a maximum output being above 50 Hz. It should be understood from the drawings and the description herein, that the depiction in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is not the only possible audio response from the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>. Specifically, the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> can be re-configured and re-dimensioned to output different ranges of audio frequencies.

However, with the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> serving in the band pass enclosure mode (with the sealing wall <b>26</b> installed to and sealing the second end <b>32</b> of the side wall structure <b>16</b>), the range of frequencies outputted is much narrower than when serving in the loudspeaker mode. Specifically, with the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> is serving in a band pass enclosure mode, the range of frequencies outputted is maximized between 50 Hz and 100 Hz, with a rapidly diminishing output above 100 Hz and approaching zero at approximately 200 Hz, as shown in dashed lines in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. The dashed line represents a tuned audio frequency range that is desired as the output in the band pass enclosure mode. Between 50 Hz and 100 Hz, the maximum output is approximately 117.0 dB for the band pass enclosure. The decibel (dB) is a measurement of sound level that uses a logarithmic scale that increases exponentially as the numeric value increases. Therefore, the difference between 114.0 dB (loudspeaker mode) and 117.0 dB (sub-woofer or band pass enclosure mode) is significant. The depicted embodiment is such that the difference in outputted audio levels as depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is more than doubled between the loudspeaker mode (no sealing wall <b>26</b> present) and the band pass enclosure mode (sealing wall <b>26</b> installed to second end <b>32</b> of the side wall structure <b>16</b>).

The output curves in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> are only one example of the differing outputs from the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>. The exact range of frequencies outputted by the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> can be tuned (altered and modified) by changing the overall volume of the sealed audio chamber <b>60</b>, the overall volume of the non-sealed audio chamber <b>62</b>, the dimensions (overall length and overall diameter) of the port structure <b>24</b> and the output response characteristics of the sound driver <b>22</b>. However, it should be noted that regardless of the tuned audio frequency range output from the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>, the maximum decibel output is always significantly greater in the tuned audio frequency range when the sealing wall <b>26</b> is installed as compared to the maximum decibel output with the sealing wall <b>26</b> not installed. This increase in output within a tuned audio frequency range is realized in most portions of the audible frequency range and in particular for the depicted the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>.

Second Embodiment

Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, an audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>′ in accordance with a second embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the first and second embodiments, the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the second embodiment that differ from the parts of the first embodiment will be indicated with a single prime (′).

The audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>′ basically includes all of the features of the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> of the first embodiment, except that the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>′ has a cylindrical shape instead of a rectangular shape. Specifically, the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>′ includes a side wall structure <b>16</b>′ that has a cylindrical shape, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. Further a second wall <b>20</b>′ is circular in shape and has only a single speaker opening <b>54</b>. A first wall (not visible in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) attached to the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>′ also has a circular shape, and together with the second wall <b>20</b>′ and a first portion of the side wall structure <b>16</b>′ defines a sealed audio chamber (not visible). A single sound driver <b>22</b> is attached to the second wall <b>20</b>′. Further the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>′ further includes the port structure <b>24</b> that extends from the second wall <b>20</b>′ to the first wall (not shown).

Although not shown, the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>′ further includes the removable sealing wall <b>26</b> of the first embodiment,

The audio frequency output of the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b>′ is similar or the same as the output of the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> of the first embodiment in that in loudspeaker mode (without a sealing wall <b>26</b>) the decibel output is less than when operating in the band pass enclosure mode (with the sealing wall <b>26</b> attached to the side wall structure <b>16</b>′). Further, in the band pass enclosure mode, the audio frequency range is reduced and the overall decibel output is at least doubled, as depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the side wall structure <b>16</b>′ has an overall cylindrical shape with a uniform outer diameter. However, it should be understood from the drawings and the description herein that the side wall structure <b>16</b>′ can be provided with a first portion (not shown) that has a first diameter and a second portion that has a second diameter different than the first diameter.

Third Embodiment

Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6-20</figref>, an audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> in accordance with a third embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the first and third embodiments, the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity.

The audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> basically has all the features of the audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> of the first embodiment, but is shaped for use at a plurality of differing, but specific, locations on or within a vehicle <b>112</b>. As with the first embodiment, the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> is designed to serve as a sub-woofer of a vehicle audio system within the vehicle <b>112</b>, outputting primarily a tuned frequency range of audible sounds at the lower end of the audio spectrum, but can also be removed from or moved about the vehicle <b>112</b> and used in loudspeaker mode. The audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>, as shown in the drawings, is specifically designed to fit within a confined space within the vehicle <b>112</b> when operating in the band pass enclosure mode. A description of the vehicle <b>112</b> is provided below after a brief description of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>.

The audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> includes a side wall structure <b>116</b>, a first wall <b>118</b>, a second wall <b>120</b>, a sound driver <b>22</b> and a port structure <b>124</b>. Various surfaces of the vehicle <b>112</b> can serve as a sealing wall, as is described in greater detail below with the description of the vehicle <b>112</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a perspective view of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a cross-sectional schematic view of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> showing an interior of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>. The side wall structure <b>116</b>, the first wall <b>118</b>, the second wall <b>120</b>, and the port structure <b>124</b> of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> can be made of wood, metal, plastic, combinations thereof or any other suitable material that provides the acoustic response necessary for the sound driver <b>22</b> and the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> to provide a desirable audio output (loudspeaker mode) or tuned audio output (band pass enclosure mode) in a predetermined narrow frequency range, depending upon the mode of use.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, the side wall structure <b>116</b> of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> includes a lower section <b>127</b> and an upper section <b>128</b>. The upper section <b>128</b> includes a plurality of attachment flanges <b>128</b><i>a </i>that are described in greater detail below. The upper section <b>128</b> has greater width and length dimensions (measured in horizontal directions) relative to the lower section <b>127</b>, but the lower section <b>127</b> has an overall height dimension (measured vertically) that is greater than the overall height of the upper section <b>128</b>.

The side wall structure <b>116</b> further includes a first side wall <b>116</b><i>a</i>, a second side wall <b>116</b><i>b</i>, a third side wall <b>116</b><i>c </i>and a fourth side wall <b>116</b><i>d </i>that define the lower section <b>127</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, the first side wall <b>116</b><i>a </i>and the third side wall <b>116</b><i>c </i>are not parallel to one another, but are each inclined relative to a vertical direction, as is explained below. The second side wall <b>116</b><i>b </i>and fourth side wall <b>116</b><i>d </i>can be parallel to one another, but can alternatively be slightly inclined relative to a vertical direction, as is explained below.

The first and second side walls <b>116</b><i>a </i>and <b>116</b><i>b </i>are rigidly attached to one another in a conventional manner, the second and third side walls <b>116</b><i>b </i>and <b>116</b><i>c </i>are rigidly attached to one another, the third and fourth side walls <b>116</b><i>c </i>and <b>116</b><i>d </i>are rigidly attached to one another and the fourth and first side walls <b>116</b><i>d </i>and <b>116</b><i>a </i>are rigidly attached to one another. The first side wall <b>116</b><i>a</i>, the second side wall <b>116</b><i>b</i>, the third side wall <b>116</b><i>c </i>and the fourth side wall <b>116</b><i>d </i>define a shape that is approximately a rectangularly shaped box with an open lower end, but has tapering sides that converge toward one another in a downward direction (relative to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 and 7</figref>) due to the non-parallel relationship between at least the first and third side walls <b>116</b><i>a </i>and <b>116</b><i>c. </i>

The upper section <b>128</b> of the side wall structure <b>116</b> is defined by side wall sections <b>116</b><i>e</i>, <b>116</b><i>f</i>, <b>116</b><i>g </i>and <b>116</b><i>h</i>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. The side wall structure <b>116</b> further defines a first end <b>130</b> (an upper end in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 and 7</figref>), a second end <b>132</b> (a lower end in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 and 7</figref>), an exterior surface <b>134</b> and an interior surface <b>136</b>. The second end <b>132</b> is open, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>.

The first wall <b>118</b> has an interior surface <b>140</b>, an exterior surface <b>142</b> and a first port opening <b>144</b> that extends from the interior surface <b>140</b> to the exterior surface <b>142</b>. The first wall <b>118</b> is fixedly attached to the first end <b>130</b> of the side wall structure <b>116</b>. The first wall <b>118</b> effectively closes off the first end <b>130</b> of the side wall structure <b>116</b>.

The second wall <b>120</b> has a first surface <b>150</b>, a second surface <b>152</b> opposite the first surface <b>150</b>, a speaker opening <b>154</b> that extends from the first surface <b>150</b> to the second surface <b>152</b> and a second port opening <b>156</b> that extends from the first surface <b>150</b> to the second surface <b>152</b>. The second wall <b>120</b> is fixedly attached to the interior surface <b>136</b> of the side wall structure <b>116</b> at a location spaced apart from the first wall <b>118</b> and spaced apart from the second end <b>132</b> of the side wall structure <b>116</b>. The second wall <b>120</b> is positioned between the first end <b>130</b> and the second end <b>132</b> of the side wall structure <b>116</b>. Further, the second wall <b>120</b> is located within the interior of the side wall structure <b>116</b>. In the third embodiment, there are two speaker openings <b>154</b>, although only one speaker opening <b>154</b> is shown. Further, there are two sound drivers <b>22</b>, although only one is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 and 7</figref>, the side wall sections <b>116</b><i>e</i>, <b>116</b><i>f</i>, <b>116</b><i>g </i>and <b>116</b><i>h</i>, along with an upper portion of each of the first side wall <b>116</b><i>a</i>, the second side wall <b>116</b><i>b</i>, the third side wall <b>116</b><i>c </i>and the fourth side wall <b>116</b><i>d</i>, the interior surface <b>140</b> of the first wall <b>118</b> and the first surface <b>150</b> of the second wall <b>120</b> define a sealed audio chamber <b>160</b> (a first audio chamber). A lower portion of each of the first side wall <b>116</b><i>a</i>, the second side wall <b>116</b><i>b</i>, the third side wall <b>116</b><i>c </i>and the fourth side wall <b>116</b><i>d</i>, along with the second surface <b>152</b> of the second wall <b>120</b> define a non-sealed audio chamber <b>162</b> (a second audio chamber).

In other words, the sealed audio chamber <b>160</b> is defined by the upper section <b>128</b> of the side wall structure <b>116</b> and an upper area of the lower section <b>127</b> of the side wall structure <b>116</b> (above the second wall <b>120</b>). The non-sealed audio chamber <b>160</b> (a ported chamber) is defined by a lower area of the lower section <b>127</b> of the side wall structure <b>116</b> (below the second wall <b>120</b>).

The upper section <b>128</b> is dimensioned to provide the hollow interior of the sealed audio chamber <b>160</b> with a large overall volume necessary to provide the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> with appropriate acoustic characteristics necessary to achieve a tuned audio frequency range that is desired as the output of a band pass enclosure (in the band pass enclosure mode).

As with the first embodiment, the sound driver <b>22</b> is an electrically powered audio speaker that can be mounted to the first surface <b>150</b> or the second surface <b>152</b> of the second wall <b>120</b>. In the depicted embodiment, there are two sound drivers <b>22</b>. The sound drivers <b>22</b> cover the two speaker openings <b>154</b> of the second wall <b>120</b>. Each of the sound drivers <b>22</b> includes speaker wires <b>164</b> that connect to the amplifier (not shown) of the audio system (not shown) such that audio signals transmitted from the amplifier to the sound driver <b>22</b> via the speaker wires <b>164</b> cause the sound driver <b>22</b> to produce audible sounds in a conventional manner. Since sound drivers and speaker wires are conventional elements, further description is omitted for the sake of brevity. In the depicted embodiment, there are two sound drivers <b>22</b> however, only one is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>.

The port structure <b>124</b> has a cylindrical or tube-like shape and extends through the sealed audio chamber <b>60</b>. The port structure <b>124</b> can be made of wood, metal, plastic or combinations thereof. The port structure <b>124</b> is preferably made of a thin material in order to maximize the volume of the sealed audio chamber <b>60</b>.

The port structure <b>124</b> has a first end <b>124</b><i>a </i>that is installed to the first wall <b>118</b> at the first port opening <b>144</b> and a second end <b>124</b><i>b </i>installed to the second wall <b>120</b> at the second port opening <b>156</b>. The first end <b>124</b><i>a </i>is fixed to the first wall <b>118</b> at the first port opening <b>144</b> such that an air tight seal is established between the interior of the port structure <b>124</b> and the sealed audio chamber <b>160</b> at the first wall <b>118</b>. The second end <b>124</b><i>b </i>is fixed to the second wall <b>120</b> at the second port opening <b>156</b> such that an air tight seal is established between the interior of the port structure <b>124</b> and the sealed audio chamber <b>160</b> at the first wall <b>118</b>. Further, the port structure <b>124</b> is completely hollow and has open ends such that there is fluid communication from the exterior surface <b>142</b> of the first wall <b>118</b> to the second surface <b>152</b> of the second wall <b>120</b>. More specifically, audible sounds generated by the sound driver <b>22</b> within the non-sealed audio chamber <b>162</b> are ported through the port structure <b>124</b> to the exterior surface <b>142</b> of the first wall <b>118</b>.

In other words, the port structure <b>124</b> extends through the sealed audio chamber <b>160</b> from the first port opening <b>144</b> in the first wall <b>118</b> to the second port opening <b>156</b> in the second wall <b>120</b>, with the interior of the port structure <b>124</b> being completely sealed relative to the sealed audio chamber <b>160</b>. The interior of the port structure <b>124</b> is completely open to the exterior surface <b>142</b> of the first wall <b>118</b> at the first port opening <b>144</b>, and is therefore open to the areas outside of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>. The interior of the port structure <b>124</b> is further completely open to the non-sealed audio chamber <b>162</b> at the second port opening <b>156</b> of the second wall <b>120</b>.

A description of related portions of the vehicle <b>112</b> is now provided with specific reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8-22</figref>. The vehicle <b>112</b> shown in the drawings is, for example, a pickup truck with a passenger compartment <b>180</b> and a cargo area <b>182</b>. The passenger compartment <b>180</b> is what is referred to as a Crew Cabin and includes at least a front seat <b>184</b> and a rear seat <b>186</b>. The front seat <b>184</b> and the rear seat <b>186</b> are attached to a floor <b>188</b> that at least partially defines the passenger compartment <b>180</b>.

It should be understood from the drawings and the description herein that the vehicle <b>112</b> can alternatively be a vehicle other than a pickup truck, such as a sedan, coupe, van or sports utility vehicle (SUV). Further, regardless of the vehicle design of the vehicle <b>112</b> can include at least one seat that includes a storage box or storage compartment under the seat, as is described below.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 9</figref>, the rear seat <b>186</b> within the passenger compartment <b>180</b> is movable from a seating position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>) to an upright portion (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>). In the upright position, a storage compartment structure <b>190</b> is exposed. The storage compartment structure <b>190</b> can be a structure permanently fixed to the floor <b>180</b> of the passenger compartment <b>180</b> under the rear seat <b>186</b> or can be a removable structure.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref>, the storage compartment structure <b>190</b> includes a box-like enclosure <b>192</b>, a lid portion <b>194</b> and a flange portion <b>195</b>. The box-like enclosure <b>192</b> has side walls or interior surfaces <b>196</b> and a bottom surface or sealing wall surface <b>198</b> that together define storage space that also serves as a cabinet receiving space <b>200</b>.

The interior surfaces <b>196</b> define an approximate rectangular shape. However, one or more of the interior surfaces <b>196</b> can be inclined with respect to vertical and can have a shape that is complementary to the shape of the side wall structure <b>116</b>. The sealing wall surface <b>198</b> of the box-like enclosure <b>192</b> of the storage compartment structure <b>190</b> is positioned adjacent to and immediately above the floor <b>188</b> of the passenger compartment <b>180</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11 and 13</figref>.

The lid portion <b>194</b> is removably attached to the box-like enclosure <b>192</b>. The lid portion <b>194</b> includes hinges <b>202</b> that have attachment pins P, as indicated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>. When installed to the box-like enclosure <b>192</b>, the lid portion <b>194</b> is movable between a closed orientation (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 and 10</figref>) and an open orientation (not shown) where the lid portion <b>194</b> is pivoted about the hinges <b>202</b> exposing the cabinet receiving space <b>200</b>. With the lid portion <b>194</b> removed from the box-like enclosure <b>192</b>, the box-like enclosure <b>192</b> can receive the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>. Further, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the rear seat <b>186</b> covers the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> with the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> installed in the cabinet receiving space <b>200</b> of the box-like enclosure <b>192</b>.

The flange portion <b>195</b> of the storage compartment structure <b>190</b> includes a plurality of apertures <b>195</b><i>a </i>that receive the attachment pins P of the lid portion <b>194</b>, and a pair of apertures <b>195</b><i>b </i>that receive fasteners F that retain the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>, as described below. The fasteners F basically define a clamping mechanism. However clamping mechanisms other than fasteners F can be employed to retain the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> in position.

As mentioned above, the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> can be installed and/or used to produce sound in a plurality of differing locations on or within the vehicle <b>112</b>. A first orientation of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> is defined with the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> installed within the storage compartment structure <b>190</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>.

With the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> in the first orientation within the storage compartment structure <b>190</b>, the non-sealed audio chamber <b>162</b> (the second audio chamber) is positioned above the sealing wall surface <b>198</b> and the sealed audio chamber <b>160</b> (the first audio chamber) is positioned above the non-sealed audio chamber <b>162</b>. Further, the rear seat <b>186</b> is located above the sealed audio chamber <b>160</b>.

One or more of the interior surfaces <b>196</b> of the box-like enclosure <b>192</b> can be inclined relative to vertical, as mentioned above. The side wall structure <b>116</b> of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> is shaped and inclined such that the first, second, third and fourth side walls <b>116</b><i>a</i>, <b>116</b><i>b</i>, <b>116</b><i>c </i>and <b>116</b><i>d </i>conform to the shapes and angles of the interior surfaces <b>196</b> of the storage compartment structure <b>190</b>. Further, the outer periphery of the upper section <b>128</b> and, in particular, the attachment flanges <b>128</b><i>a </i>of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>, are shaped to overlay the flange <b>195</b> of the storage compartment structure <b>190</b>.

Thus, the overall shape of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> is configured such that the lower section <b>127</b> fits within the storage compartment structure <b>190</b> and the upper section <b>128</b> extends along the flange <b>195</b>, completely covering that portion of the storage compartment structure <b>190</b> that would otherwise be covered by the lid portion <b>194</b>. Thus, the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> is designed such that the respective interior volumes of the sealed audio chamber <b>160</b> and the non-sealed audio chamber <b>162</b> are maximized in accordance with audio cabinet design.

As indicated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref>, the floor <b>188</b> of the vehicle <b>112</b> includes an outlet <b>208</b> that is electrically connected to a sound system (not shown) within the vehicle <b>112</b>. The outlet <b>208</b> is provided with a powered audio signal that powers and operates the sound driver <b>22</b> of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>, a connector <b>164</b><i>a</i>, electrically connected to the speaker wires <b>164</b> of the sound drivers <b>22</b> is plugged into the outlet <b>208</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, the sealing wall surface <b>198</b> of the storage compartment structure <b>190</b> includes an embossed section <b>204</b>. The embossed section <b>204</b> conforms to the shape of an inner edge of the second end <b>132</b> of the side wall structure <b>116</b> of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>. A seal <b>206</b> is inserted between the second end <b>132</b> and the sealing wall surface <b>198</b> along an outer perimeter of the embossed section <b>204</b>. The seal <b>206</b> can be attached to the second end <b>132</b> or can be attached to the sealing wall surface <b>198</b>. The seal <b>206</b> ensures an air tight seal between the sealing wall surface <b>198</b> and the second end <b>132</b> of the side wall structure <b>116</b> of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>. Thus, when the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> is installed to the storage compartment structure <b>190</b>, the non-sealed audio chamber <b>162</b> is sealed relative to the sealing wall surface <b>198</b> of the storage compartment structure <b>190</b>. Consequently, with the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> installed in the first orientation to the storage compartment structure <b>190</b>, the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> operates as a band pass enclosure in the band pass enclosure mode, providing a narrow frequency audio band, as indicated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

As indicated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, removable fasteners F retain the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> to the storage compartment structure <b>190</b>. The fasteners F can be removed such that the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> can be in a different location in a different orientation on or within the vehicle <b>112</b>, as discussed below.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> shows a slight modification to the storage compartment structure <b>190</b> of the third embodiment. Specifically, the sealing wall surface <b>198</b> can be modified to yield a sealing wall surface <b>198</b>′ that includes a recess <b>204</b>′ that replaces the embossed section <b>204</b>. The recess <b>204</b>′ is dimensioned to receive the second end <b>132</b> of the side wall structure <b>116</b> of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>. The seal <b>206</b> is inserted into the recess <b>204</b>′ with the second end <b>132</b> of the side wall structure <b>116</b> of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> also installed into the recess <b>204</b>′. In this modification, the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> installed in the first orientation to the storage compartment structure <b>190</b> such that the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> operates as a band pass enclosure in the band pass enclosure mode providing a narrow frequency audio band, as indicated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, the cargo area <b>182</b> includes a main surface <b>210</b> and an upright wall <b>212</b>. The upright wall <b>212</b> includes another outlet <b>208</b>.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> can be installed to the main surface <b>210</b> of the cargo area <b>182</b> via the fasteners F in a second orientation. The main surface <b>210</b> serves as a sealing wall to the non-sealed audio chamber <b>162</b> of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>. The connector <b>164</b><i>a </i>is plugged into the outlet <b>208</b> thereby powering the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>. In this second orientation, the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> again operates as a band pass enclosure in the band pass enclosure mode.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> can be installed to the upright wall <b>212</b> of the cargo area <b>182</b> in a third orientation. The audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> is installed such that the non-sealed audio chamber <b>162</b> is open to the cargo area <b>182</b>. The connector <b>164</b><i>a </i>is again plugged into the outlet <b>208</b> thereby powering the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>. In this third orientation, the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> operates as a loudspeaker in the loudspeaker mode.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>, the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> can be installed to the upright wall <b>212</b> of the cargo area <b>182</b> in a fourth orientation. The upright wall <b>212</b> serves as a sealing wall to the non-sealed audio chamber <b>162</b> of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>. The connector <b>164</b><i>a </i>is again plugged into the outlet <b>208</b> thereby powering the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>. In this third orientation, the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> again operates as a band pass enclosure in the band pass enclosure mode.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, the upright wall <b>212</b> (and the main surface <b>210</b>) of the cargo area <b>182</b> includes an embossed section <b>214</b>, similar to the embossed section <b>204</b>. The embossed section <b>214</b> conforms to the shape of an inner edge of the second end <b>132</b> of the side wall structure <b>116</b> of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>. A seal <b>206</b> is inserted between the second end <b>132</b> and the sealing wall surface <b>198</b> along an outer perimeter of the embossed section <b>214</b>. The seal <b>206</b> can be attached to the second end <b>132</b> or can be attached to the upright wall <b>212</b> (or the main surface <b>210</b>). The seal <b>206</b> ensures an air tight seal between the upright wall <b>212</b> (or the main surface <b>210</b>) and the second end <b>132</b> of the side wall structure <b>116</b> of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>. Thus, when the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> is installed to the cargo area <b>182</b>, the non-sealed audio chamber <b>162</b> is sealed in either of the second and/or fourth orientation. Consequently, with the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> installed in the second and/or fourth orientation to the cargo area <b>182</b> and the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> operates as a band pass enclosure in the band pass enclosure mode providing a narrow frequency audio band, as indicated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> shows a slight modification to the cargo area <b>182</b>. Specifically, the upright wall <b>212</b> (and the main surface <b>210</b>) of the cargo area <b>182</b> can be modified to yield a sealing wall surface <b>198</b>′ that includes a recess <b>214</b>′ that replaces the embossed section <b>214</b>. The recess <b>214</b>′ is dimensioned to receive the second end <b>132</b> of the side wall structure <b>116</b> of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b>. The seal <b>206</b> is inserted into the recess <b>214</b>′ with the second end <b>132</b> of the side wall structure <b>116</b> of the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> also installed into the recess <b>214</b>′. In this modification, the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> installed in the second and/or fourth orientations to the cargo area <b>182</b> such that the audio speaker cabinet <b>110</b> operates as a band pass enclosure in the band pass enclosure mode providing a narrow frequency audio band, as indicated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

In each of the embodiments, the second end <b>32</b> of the first and second embodiments and the second end <b>132</b> of the third embodiment, serves as a loudspeaker opening when no sealing wall is present.

In the depicted embodiments, the sealing walls, such as the sealing wall <b>26</b>, the sealing wall surface <b>198</b>, and the main surface <b>210</b> and the upright wall <b>212</b> of the cargo area <b>182</b> are all planar surfaces that engage the second end <b>132</b> (and second end <b>32</b>) of the side wall structure <b>116</b> (and the side wall structure <b>16</b>).

The various elements of the vehicle <b>112</b>, other than audio speaker cabinet <b>10</b> and <b>110</b> and the various sealing wall surfaces described above, are conventional components that are well known in the art. Since various elements of the vehicle <b>112</b> are well known in the art, these structures will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the components can be any type of structure that can be used to carry out the present invention.

GENERAL INTERPRETATION OF TERMS

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe the above embodiments, the following directional terms “forward”, “rearward”, “above”, “downward”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below” and “transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a vehicle equipped with the audio speaker cabinet. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to a vehicle equipped with the audio speaker cabinet.

The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such features. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.